Playoffs Spherical 1, Recreation 2 Match Preview: Chicago Fireplace vs Philadelphia Union – The Philly Soccer Web page

Picture courtesy of Ron Soliman
Who: Philadelphia Union (#1 seed) vs. Charlotte FC (4th place, 56 factors, 18-2-3)
What: 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, Spherical 1 Recreation 2
The place: SeatGeek Stadium
When: Saturday, November 1st, 5:30 PM
Watch: MLS on Apple TV, Radio: 97.5 FM
Whistle: REF: Jon Freemon, AR1: Corey Rockwell, AR2: Adam Garner, 4TH: Chris Penso, VAR: Fotis Bazakos, AVAR: TJ Zablocki
Ding, ding. It’s time for Recreation 2. The Philadelphia Union will fly out to Chicago for the second recreation of their Spherical 1 sequence with the Fireplace. Within the first match, the Union gave up a 2 objective lead, however had been capable of come again in a dramatic penalty shootout to safe the victory. Will the Boys in Blue get one other win to advance to the Convention Semi-Finals? Or will the Fireplace have the ability to power Recreation 3? 
On the Soob final Sunday, Gregg Berhalter began with a defensive lineup designed to take in the Union’s stress. Homegrown participant Brian Gutiérrez was left on the bench however MLS-All Star, and Chicago’s main objective contributor, Philip Zinckernagel was unable to play as a result of an harm suffered within the warm-up. Though this tactical set-up pissed off Philadelphia’s assault for concerning the first hour, it additionally left the Fireplace with only a few possibilities of their very own. As soon as the Union adjusted, making some key substitutions, Philly opened the sport up. 
Since they want a win, it’s logical to imagine Berhalter switches to the 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 that he utilized with the US Nationwide Crew. The Fireplace have performed a few of their greatest soccer this yr with that set-up, however they misplaced 4-0 in Philly after they employed it through the common season. 
Anticipate Zinckernagel to return to the beginning eleven, as he has reportedly returned to coaching. Between him, group high scorer Hugo Cuypers, and budding star Gutiérrez, Chicago’s assault might be fairly formidable. 
However, all will not be effectively on the harm entrance for the Males in Crimson. Goalkeeper Chris Brady, whose time-wasting and theatrics through the penalty shootout drew criticism from Union followers, is listed as questionable. Ought to the younger keeper be unavailable, it will be a giant blow to their probabilities. 
 
There aren’t any straightforward video games within the playoffs. Final week ought to have re-enforced that lesson for Philadelphia. Regardless of getting via a tricky opening hour that noticed Chicago extra excited about time losing than really taking part in soccer, the Union regarded set to earn a strong win in regulation. The introduction of Frankie Westfield and Mikael Uhre leap began the Boys in Blues’ assault, with Indiana Vassilev and Milan Iloksi making good on their probabilities. However then, issues took a dramatic flip. 
The Fireplace made a late comeback with former Philly favourite Jack Elliot taking part in a task in each of the Fireplace’s objective. His beautiful strike in stoppage time tied issues up and compelled the sport right into a shootout. Whereas the Union had been finally capable of prevail in dramatic style, it will likely be a mistake they wish to keep away from repeating in Recreation 2. It’s doubtless Chicago will go for a extra offensive minded strategy this time. However extra open attacking play might be simply what the physician ordered for Philly. The Union thrive on the counter. Carnell would possibly select to start out each Uhre and Westfield to supply a larger menace in these conditions. Specifically, Andrew Gutman pushes very excessive from his left again spot. Each Union targets got here from counter down that aspect final match and there’ll doubtless be area ripe for the taking once more.
Though it could appear counter intuitive, Chicago was really weaker at dwelling this season, solely getting 6 of their 15 wins in Illinois. The Union picked up a 1-0 win final time they made the trek to the Windy Metropolis, dousing the Fireplace through a 1-0 scoreline. Philly was fairly good on the highway this season, grabbing 8 wins because the away group. For all you stat nerds on the market although, as we speak’s recreation takes place at SeatGeek Stadium versus Soldier Discipline, Chicago’s traditional dwelling area over the previous years. The final time each groups met there it was through the 2019 season, and Chicago got here away with the 2-0 win. Evidently, a lot has modified for each franchises since that match.
Union Middle Backs vs. Chicago Forwards
With Zinckernagel doubtless again in motion, and the Fireplace needing to win, Jakob Glesnes and Olwethu Makhanya will have to be at their greatest to maintain Chicago’s assault off the board. The Union can not afford one other late collapse like in Recreation 1.
Participant to look at: Mikael Uhre
The Danish Designated Participant was unable to start out as a result of a knee problem final week however nonetheless modified the sport off the bench. His capability to stretch the sector and create probabilities for his group is a key facet of the Union’s assault and it’s most likely that Bradley Carnell will begin Uhre, as he appeared to win his beginning function again down the stretch of the common season.
Gregg Berhalter could have the Fireplace lined up extra aggressively to start out this contest. However this may really play into the Union’s urgent and counter ways, and Philly ought to have extra life within the assault. Chicago nonetheless rating, but it surely’s not sufficient to get a consequence.
Final time the Union should journey this yr.
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